The Indonesian Embassy In Tokyo Facilitates The Repatriation Of Bitung Fishermen Who Were Carried Away By The Storm For 11 Days

Jufri Mokodompis is preparing to return to Indonesia through Tokyo's Haneda Airport. (Source: Indonesian Embassy in Tokyo)

JAKARTA - The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia (KBRI) Tokyo on Tuesday facilitated the repatriation of Indonesian fishermen who had been swept away by the storm for 11 days.

Jufri Mokodompis, a fisherman from Bitung, North Sulawesi, was carrying out his daily work, guarding the FAD at sea on July 17, 2025, when a large storm then occurred in the waters of his family.

The size of the storm made Jufri's FlF swept away in the high seas. Efforts to seek help via SOS radio are trying to do so. However, bad weather is not possible to make calls.

After being swept away for 11 days, Jufri was found in Philippine waters by the "Asia Endeavor" ship sailing towards Japan. The ship evacuated itself and made contact with the Japan Coast Guard and Bakamla RI.

Receiving a report from the Japan Coast Guard, the Indonesian Embassy in Tokyo then picked up Jufri when the Asian Endeavor ship docked at the Chiba Pier on August 2, the Indonesian Embassy in Tokyo said in a statement on Tuesday, August 12.

Jufri was then taken to the Tokyo Indonesian Embassy shelter for administrative documents processing before his return to Indonesia.

The attorney for the Ad Interim (KUAI) of the Indonesian Embassy in Tokyo, Maria Renata HUtagaluang, emphasized that the Indonesian Embassy in Tokyo will always make maximum efforts to protect Indonesian citizens in Japan.

"Presenting the principle of collaboration with various parties, the Indonesian Embassy will continue to seek protection efforts against Indonesian citizens in this country. For Jufri, we also thank you for the cooperation and support provided by the authorities in Japan so that the return process can be carried out properly," he explained.

After the process of obtaining documents is complete and checking health, Jufri was flown to the country on August 12 through Tokyo's Haneda Airport. His arrival in the country will be coordinated by the Directorate of Protection for Indonesian Citizens and Foreign Ministry at Soekarno Hatta Airport and Manado's Sam Ratulangi Airport.